The Country Manager for Yara Ghana Limited, Madam Theresa Randolph, has called for collective action among the Government and Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to overcome barriers to women in agribusiness.
Speaking at the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards, organized by Agrihouse Foundation in the Bono Region, Madam Randolph highlighted the undeniable importance of agribusiness to Ghana’s economy, contributing over 20% to the nation’s GDP. She emphasized that agribusiness encompasses more than just farming; it involves the entire value chain, presenting significant opportunities for growth, poverty eradication, and climate change mitigation.
Despite the critical role of agribusiness, she acknowledged the numerous challenges farmers face in the sector. She pointed out that these challenges are even more pronounced for women farmers, farmers with disabilities, and women in agribusiness, who often face additional hurdles such as lack of land ownership, limited access to finance, and restricted market opportunities.
She therefore called on the government to implement policies that ensure equal land rights for women and promote their access to financial services. According to her, legal reforms should be put in place to protect women’s property rights and facilitate their ownership of land and assets.
She also stressed the need to sustainably improve agricultural productivity to meet increasing demand, enhance the efficiency and resilience of food systems, and improve income opportunities in rural areas.
“Overcoming these barriers requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies. Stakeholders should work to improve women’s access to high-quality agricultural inputs and technologies.
Additionally, efforts should be made to connect women farmers with local and international markets, enabling them to achieve better prices for their produce. Providing women with education and training in modern agricultural practices, business management, and sustainable farming techniques is crucial. Extension services and capacity-building programs should be tailored to meet the specific needs of women,” she remarked.
“Empowering women in agribusiness is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and the broader economy.
By addressing the barriers that women face and creating an enabling environment for their full participation, we can unlock the potential of women farmers and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
All stakeholders must work together to support women in agriculture, ensuring that they have the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive,” Randolph remarked.
Yara Ghana Limited has, for the past decade, been at the forefront of supporting agribusiness development, with a special focus on women and persons with disabilities.
Through partnerships in programs like WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards, and other agricultural value chain initiatives, Yara Ghana has worked to break barriers, create opportunities, and improve the efficiency of food systems by providing farmers with quality and efficient crop solutions and agronomic knowledge to increase yields and improve crop quality in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Country Manager also spotlighted Yara Ghana’s commitment to innovation and technology in agriculture, citing initiatives such as digital farming solutions and tailored agronomic training programs.
A notable example of Yara Ghana’s impactful initiatives is the recently concluded Grow Ghana Initiative.
Launched in response to the challenges faced by farmers due to the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war, which impacted access to affordable fertilizers, Yara International donated premium YaraMila Actyva fertilizer valued at USD 20 million to smallholder farmers in Ghana. This donation reduced their cost per acre by 33.3% and enhanced food system resilience.
Supported by partners such as AFAP, AGRA, and USAID, the Grow Ghana Initiative increased staple crop productivity, created jobs for over 500 youth, and provided vital agronomic knowledge to boost productivity.
The initiative not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced livelihoods and contributed to food security in Ghana. These efforts are geared towards breaking barriers and creating opportunities for farmers, particularly women.
Madam Randolph expressed pride in Yara Ghana’s collaboration with the Agrihouse Foundation for the past six years to organize the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards.
She recognized their shared commitment to supporting farmers towards sustainable agriculture and resilience. She urged all stakeholders to collaborate for a vibrant and inclusive agricultural sector benefiting farmers, communities, and the nation.
Adding her voice, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for Yara Ghana’s steadfast partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation for the Women in Agricultural Training and Leadership Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards over the past six years.
“Yara Ghana has been instrumental in advancing the status of women in agriculture in Ghana through the Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and The Gold in The Soil Awards.
Their continued support enables us to create opportunities for women to thrive in agriculture, contributing to Ghana’s economic growth and advancing gender equality,” Ms. Akosa remarked.
She elaborated on the importance of this collaboration, noting that the sustained partnership with Yara Ghana has enabled the foundation to expand its reach and impact.
“With Yara Ghana’s support, we have been able to provide training and resources to thousands of women farmers, helping them improve their productivity and livelihoods. This partnership has also allowed us to advocate more effectively for policy changes that benefit women in agriculture.”
Ms. Akosa highlighted some success stories from past awardees, showcasing how recognition and support have transformed their agricultural practices and lives. “These women are not just farmers; they are innovators, leaders, and role models in their communities. By sharing their stories and achievements, we inspire more women to pursue careers in agriculture and contribute to the nation’s food security.”
Ms. Akosa called for more stakeholders to join the cause, stressing that collective effort is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability. “We need more partners like Yara Ghana who are committed to making a difference. Together, we can overcome the barriers that women face and create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector,” she remarked.
About Yara GhanaYara Ghana Limited was established in 2007 to strengthen the quality and depth of input supply and related services along agricultural value chains in the country. Yara Ghana’s key focus has been on providing Ghanaian farmers with knowledge, crop nutrition solutions, and digital technologies that can help them improve their yields and quality in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
The Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene, have called on the government, private sectors, stakeholders, and relevant parties to implement decisive mechanisms that supports women in agribusiness.
Delivering the keynote address at the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards. Held from July 9th to 10th, 2024, at the Sunyani Technical University, in the Bono Region, under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women in Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders. “She emphasized the critical need for collective efforts to create a supportive environment for women in the agricultural sector.
“Empowering women in agribusiness is not just about equality; it’s about driving economic development,” stated Hon. Owusu-Banahene. “Women are the backbone of every economy, driving growth and sustainability. By empowering them, we ensure a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.”
Highlighting the role of cultural leaders and queen mothers, she urged them to use their influence in inspiring young women to pursue careers in agribusiness by actively mentoring and instilling the passion for agriculture among the youth, emphasizing the importance of securing land for women’s ventures.
In conclusion, she called on financial institutions to support women in agribusiness by providing accessible and affordable credit facilities. These resources, she emphasized, are crucial for enabling women to scale their operations, invest in modern technologies, and ultimately improve productivity in the sector.
The Country Representative for the American Soybean Association (ASA) through the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Program, Madam Harriet Agyekum, has called for increased efficiency in the poultry sector to improve food security in Ghana.
Speaking on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the 4th Ghana Poultry Day organized by Agrihouse Foundation, she highlighted that optimizing efficiency in poultry production is essential to meeting the growing demand for poultry products within the country.
“Efficiency improvements in the poultry sector not only bolster food security by increasing local production but also contribute to economic stability and sustainability,” she stated.
She further highlighted the significant impact of WISHH’s initiatives on the poultry sector. According to her the program has grown the poultry sector’s production capacity, trained thousands of industry professionals on best management practices, helped producers and processors apply new post-harvest storage techniques to their existing operations, and connected supply chain partners to financial institutions, adding that ,there are ongoing efforts to collaborate with local leaders and supply chain partners in Ghana with the aim of building a robust networks, enhance production capacities, and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the poultry sector.
“Our initiatives focus on equipping industry professionals with best management practices, introducing new post-harvest storage techniques, and facilitating access to financial resources for poultry producers. WISHH seeks to position soyabean as a reliable protein source while supporting Ghana’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported poultry products,” she emphasized.
She however commended Agrihouse Foundation for their dedicated efforts in promoting the poultry sector in Ghana, noting their pivotal role in organizing events like the Ghana Poultry Day. “Agrihouse Foundation’s commitment to fostering dialogue and innovation within the poultry industry is commendable. Their initiatives have been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices and fostering partnerships that benefit the entire sector,” she remarked.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day was Organized by Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by key entities including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the event drew support from prominent sponsors such as Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, Wilmar International, 10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project, and Wilmar Africa .
Agrihouse foundation on Monday July 1st, 2024 successfully hosted the 4th Ghana Poultry Day, at the Statehouse forecourt in Accra, with the aim of enhancing Ghana’s poultry sector, whiles also advocating for the 1st of July to be recognized as the Ghana poultry day .
Giving the welcome Remakes, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, underscored the significant growth and advocacy witnessed over the past four years of Ghana Poultry Day, showcasing ample opportunities within the poultry industry.
“Our efforts underscore the immense potential in Ghana’s poultry sector. However, achieving its full potential requires collective support to drive growth, sustainability, and promotion, “she remarked
She stressed the importance of giving equal attention to both crop and livestock sectors to bolster sustainable agricultural practices by elaborating on the need for integrated approaches where crop and livestock sectors complement each other, enhancing soil fertility through integrated farming systems and improving farm productivity urging that a balanced approach ensures resilience against climate change impacts and fosters economic stability in rural communities.
Hon. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, MP for Korle Klottey, called on government to implement policies that enhance local poultry production’s competitiveness to bolster food security and reduce reliance on imports.
“Cost-effective local poultry production and robust agribusiness promotion can substantially decrease our dependency on imported poultry products,” she asserted, stressing the sector’s capacity to generate employment opportunities.
Adding his voice, Hon.Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Livestock, urged youth investment in the poultry sector, highlighting its growth prospects. “The government’s second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative outlines a strategic plan to bridge poultry sector deficits over the next five years,” Tufeiru disclosed, emphasizing newly established support mechanisms for initiative participants.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day served as a strategic platform for stakeholders to strategize on propelling the poultry sector’s growth, ensuring its robust contribution to Ghana’s agricultural and economic development. Discussions underscored the imperative for collaborative efforts in enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
The event featured diverse activities, including a chef cooking competition showcasing various poultry-based delicacies. Madam Charity Akortia, the 2023 National Best Farmer, emerged first in the competition, followed by Mr. Cecil T. Sunkwa-Mills of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO).
In the student cooking competition, Ngleshie Amanfro S.H.S claimed the first position, with Achimota Senior High School and Accra Academy securing the second and third positions, respectively.The 4th Ghana Poultry Day was organized by Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by key entities including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the event drew support from prominent sponsors such as Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, and Wilmar International,10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, and Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project, Wilmar Africa.
Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, has called for the implementation of policies that make local poultry production more competitive to promote food security and agribusiness in Ghana.
Speaking at Agrihouse Foundation’s 4th edition of Ghana Poultry Day on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House, Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings, who also served as the executive judge of the event, emphasized the need for cost-effective local poultry production. She highlighted that by reducing reliance on imports and enhancing the agribusiness sector, Ghana can significantly improve its food security.
“The government must implement policies that make local poultry production more competitive. By promoting agribusiness and making local poultry production cost-effective, we can reduce our reliance on imports and enhance food security,” she stated.
Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings also pointed out specific areas where government intervention could make a significant impact. She suggested subsidies for local poultry farmers to reduce production costs, investment in modern farming technologies, and improved access to financing for small and medium-scale poultry enterprises.
“Subsidies for local poultry farmers would help reduce production costs, making it easier for them to compete with imported poultry products. Additionally, investing in modern farming technologies and providing better access to financing can empower small and medium-scale poultry enterprises, driving growth and sustainability in the sector,” she added.
Furthermore, Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings advocated for enhanced training and capacity-building programs for poultry farmers, which would equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to improve productivity and quality. She also called for strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure quality standards and food safety in the poultry industry.
“Enhanced training and capacity-building programs for our poultry farmers are essential. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can improve productivity and quality. Strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure quality standards and food safety will also build consumer confidence in locally produced poultry products,” she remarked.
